landscape vision with polarized lenses and with non-polarized lenses

What do polarized lenses do?

Polarized lenses are specially designed to filter light and make it easier to see in bright conditions.

The biggest benefit of polarized sunglasses is that they reduce glare, which is caused when the sun's rays reflect off a solid surface or water. Glare reduces your depth perception, distorts your view, and even temporarily blinds you!

What are polarized lenses?

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Polarized Lenses Inner Workings

Polarized lenses are normal sunglass lenses with a polarization layer fused to the lens. These sunglass lenses reduce the intensity of all light from all angles. The polarizing layer in polarized lenses acts like millions of microscopic mirrors. These mirrors are angled away from your eye's field of vision. When light waves hit the polarization layer at any angle that is not perpendicular to your lens, it is reflected away rather than allowed through to your eye. This results in unwanted glare from roads, water, and car windows being either dulled out or dramatically reduced allowing the sunglass user to see the field of vision they want.

What Are Polarized Lenses Good For?

The reduction of glare provided by sunglass lenses allows users to wear their sunglasses for longer periods and reduces eye strain. We also have customers who suffer from migraines who claim that polarized lenses help reduce the onset of headaches.

There are four major health benefits associated with polarized replacement lenses:

Safety

On sunny days, objects in the distance often appear hazy, and nearby vehicles reflect almost blinding light. Polarized lenses eliminate those effects by blocking reflections, improving eye comfort and allowing you to drive with full eye function.

Reduced eyestrain

Squinting to gain vision clarity puts stress on the eyes, sometimes causing redness, irritation, fatigue, or headaches. Polarization can neutralize these problems, helping eyes to feel more comfortable and well-rested.

Water sports

Polarized lenses are favorites of aquatic sport enthusiasts, since polarization makes it easier to see into the water. Without polarized lenses, light reflects off the water's surface, but with their help, underwater visibility is vastly improved.

Stronger vision

Wearers of replacement polarized lenses report better perception of color and images, since they are able to perceive images crisply and clearly in any environment.

black sunglasses with polarized lenses

When Polarized Lenses Can Cause Problems

Because polarized lenses block out glare and light at certain angles it can prevent users from seeing any reflections they normally see. Reflection off of icy patches on the road or ski slopes may not show up as strong as normal. Additionally, LCD displays from certain devices such as car stereos, microwaves, and mobile and computer monitors could get blocked out, especially with lower-quality polarization films. We have also had feedback from some customers about the polarization interacting with polarized films in their tinted car windows.

SFx Ultra Polarized Lenses

Our polarized lenses integrate a world-leading Japanese polarization film with a 99.9% efficacy rating; making them one of the strongest, lightest, and most durable lenses possible. Offering 100% UV protection, they are available in a wide choice of colors, mirror finishes, and gradient options.

Watch our easy-to-follow video instructions to help you replace your sunglass lenses with new polarized lenses.

sunglasses with SFx ultra polarized lenses
turning lens to identify if it is polarized

Are all sunglasses polarized?

No. Whilst all sunglasses are designed to protect against UV rays, only those equipped with the polarization layer are polarized. The main difference between polarized and non-polarized sunglasses is the reduction of glare.

How do I know if I have Polarized Lenses?

If your lenses are removed from your sunglasses, turn one lens 90 degrees from the other and look through both lenses at the same time. You will notice that you can't see out of the lenses. Regular sunglass lenses will just appear darker and maintain the same level of tint as they are turned. If your lenses are still in your sunglasses you can look at almost any computer screen while spinning the sunglasses around like a clock. At some angles, the screen will black out and at others, you will still be able to see the screen.

 

How to upgrade or replace your sunglass lenses with polarized sunglass lenses

Sunglass Fix offers the largest range of sunglass replacement lenses in the world, with over 400,000 lens models, covering all top brands and with free worldwide shipping.

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